Increasing Knowledge and Confidence of New Nurses in Pressure Injury/Wound Identification in Hospitalized Patients
Topic of Interest
CNS as Researcher
Quality Initiatives
Abstract
The recognition that new graduate RNs enter the work force with minimal academic preparation in the assessment and treatment of pressure injuries prompted a project to improve knowledge and practice for this cohort of RNs within their first year of practice. A one day clinical shadowing experience; rounding with wound and ostomy nurses was scheduled following a comprehensive review of pressure injuries via a learning management module. A twenty five question pre-test regarding pressure injury knowledge, prevention, and management was administered prior to the shadowing experience. The outcome of the shadowing experience was to see an improvement of knowledge on the same post- test after having had the opportunity to translate knowledge into practice at the bedside. In the future, improved knowledge correlated with hands on visualization and practice will decrease pressure injuries in patients cared for by new RNs.